Getting started in Dubai? It’s important to understand the costs involved, which vary depending on where you set up, the services you need, and how many visas or office space you require. Below is a clear breakdown of the three main options for setting up a business in Dubai:
1. IFZA Free Zone – Starting from (AED 12,900)
Who it’s for:
Entrepreneurs seeking a fast, hassle-free setup with all the essentials.
What’s included:
- Business license & company registration (up to 3 activities)
- 100% foreign ownership + full profit repatriation
- Government establishment card
- Optional investor visa
- Flexi‑desk or coworking access (10 hrs/week)
- Dedicated relationship manager
- Company documents (MOA/AOA)
- Free 1-hour Tax & VAT consultation
Estimated first-year cost:
- AED 12,900 base + AED 4,500 visa + AED 5,800 desk = AED 23,200
Cost may vary depending upon activities
2. RAKEZ Free Zone – Starting from (AED 6,000)
Who it’s for:
Startups on a tight budget wanting essential services with optional upgrades.
What’s included:
- License & registration (1 activity)
- 100% ownership + profit repatriation
- MOA/AOA documents & legal support
- Dedicated account manager
- Free Tax & VAT consultation
Optional add-ons:
- Investor visa (AED 6,000–8,000)
- Coworking desk (AED 10,500–16,500)
Estimated first-year cost:
- AED 6,000 base + AED 6,000 visa + AED 12,000 desk = AED 24,000
Cost may vary depending upon activities
3. Dubai Mainland – Starting from (AED 15,000 – 32,000)
Who it’s for:
Businesses that want full access to UAE markets and government contracting.
Package Options
| Tier | Starting Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | AED 15,000 | License + PRO services + investor visa |
| Silver | AED 25,000 | Basic + virtual office (Ejari) + local sponsor |
| Gold | AED 32,000 | Silver + flexi‑desk + additional admin support |
Core inclusions (all tiers):
- DED trade license
- Investor visa & PRO liaison
- MOA/AOA + company stamp
- Name reservation & approvals
- Optional: employee visas, Ejari, sponsorship fees (AED 10k–25k/year)
Estimated first-year cost with visa:
- Basic: AED 18k – 22k
- Silver: AED 28k – 30k
- Gold: AED 32k – 35k+
Cost may vary depending upon activities
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Setup Option | Base Fee | +1 Visa – Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|
| IFZA | AED 12,900 | AED 22,500–23,200 |
| RAKEZ | AED 6,000 | AED 22,500–24,000 |
| Mainland Basic | AED 15,000 | AED 18,000–22,000 |
| Mainland Gold | AED 32,000 | AED 35,000–40,000 |
Which Option Is Best for You?
- Startup on a budget? → RAKEZ offers the lowest cost with visa and desk.
- Need a Dubai presence fast? → IFZA offers full service with speed.
- Need full UAE market access? → Mainland gives you broader reach and credibility.
Smart Tips to Stay on Budget
- Define your office type: flexi, virtual, or full
- Decide if you need visas now or later
- Use bundled free zone packages to save time and money
- Hire consultants to avoid delays and hidden fees
Next Steps
Curious about the best setup for your needs? Get in touch for a custom cost comparison based on your business activity, visa requirements, and office space needs. We’re here to support you every step of the way—start smart and launch confident in 2025!